Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 3 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to update any policies that it has on the procedures for NHS patients and staff to follow when (a) reporting and (b) raising concerns regarding sexual assault.
We strongly encourage staff to report all instances of violent and aggressive behaviour, including sexual violence, through their local reporting systems. We expect Health Boards to record and report all instances of violent behaviour, including sexual assaults. These should be investigated and reported to the police where appropriate.
For NHSScotland Staff, the Managing Health at Work policies include guidance on preventing, reporting and dealing with violence and aggression. This staff policy is being refreshed under the NHSScotland ‘Once for Scotland’ Workforce Policies Programme.
We expect all health boards to be actively committed to protecting staff from violence and assault, including sexual violence, and make sure that any employees who are victims of violence or aggression have access to appropriate support.
A Sexual Harassment Guide is also in development to supplement the Gender Based Violence Policy which is currently being refreshed.